Across Germany, a significant number of spaces within detention facilities for individuals facing deportation remain unoccupied. A recent survey conducted by “Der Spiegel” reveals that, as of early August, 460 individuals subject to deportation orders were held in detention, while 182 beds were vacant.
Variations exist considerably between federal states. Hesse reported an average occupancy rate of 58 percent for the year to date, while Baden-Württemberg registered 80 percent. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Migration indicated that, considering reserved spaces, the facility operates at near full capacity.
A new detention facility in Arnstadt, Thuringia, commenced operations in mid-August, providing capacity for up to 37 individuals. Thuringia’s Minister of Migration, Beate Meißner, justified the establishment by stating that nationwide detention spaces are effectively at 100 percent occupancy – a claim that appears inconsistent with the figures obtained by “Der Spiegel”. Previously, Thuringia relied on a single reserved detention space in Rhineland-Palatinate.
In response to inquiries, the Thuringian Ministry of Migration explained that local immigration authorities have frequently refrained from requesting detention in the past, due to a lack of available space or the high costs associated with enforcing deportations in other federal states. Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt are also planning to construct state-owned detention facilities.
